Meet Natalie Sykes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Sykes.

Natalie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is Natalie Sykes and I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I am an up and coming Plus Model looking to inspire women and girls to love all of their curves. Ever since I could remember I have always been what you would consider a “big girl”. So being confident in my size was something that I had to learn fairly early. I started with a local baton twirling company at 11 years old! Being a part of that organization introduced me to pageants and competitions all across the state of Georgia. Back then, seeing a plus girl in these competitions was rare but I learned to compete and excel in all areas. This is where my confidence began to grow as I truly believed I was just as good as everyone else!

I have always had a niche for all things fashion. Whether it is hair, makeup or just styling and putting looks together, I truly enjoyed it, but I had never modeled before. In 2016 while living in Charlotte, NC, I attended my first model call for a local Modeling group. Once I made the group, I was afforded the opportunity to network with boutiques and photographers. Before you know it, I was at my first photoshoot with a local boutique and the rest is history. Over the past four years, I have been able to grace the runway at Crusade of Curves in Raleigh, NC, District if Curves in Washington D.C. and even the TCF Expo here in Atlanta. I’ve collaborated with multiple boutiques and photographers and have even had my photographs printed in a magazine. I’m so blessed to have had these opportunities to inspire plus size women and girls and encourage them to love themselves. I hope to be able to remain an inspiration to those young girls who struggle with self-esteem and to make sure they know that they are beautiful too.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Being in the fashion and beauty industry, you have to have thick skin because with every success comes failure. You really have to know and believe that what God has for you will be for you. Perseverance is Key! In order to succeed in this industry, you have to be able to take that “NO” and understand your “YES” is on the way!

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a plus runway and print model, brand ambassador, and social media influencer. I’m am proud that we, as plus models are breaking barriers that have never been broken every day. We are raising the bar of body positivity and inclusion in the fashion industry. I think that my confidence and willingness and readiness to work sets me aside from others.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family deserves all the credit!!!! My husband has been super supportive and encouraging during this journey. My parents and sister have pushed me and motivated me to do my best since the beginning. Being a model and influencer can sometimes be very time consuming so having a good support system in place is definitely a plus.

Contact Info:

• Email: nataliej_themodel@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliej_themodel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieJ-The-Model-1872268539472476

Image Credit:
KZW Capturing Essence
Todd Youngblood

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